City health officials say people have died and nearly 20 people have become ill as part of a Harlem Legionaire cluster.
The disease was first detected on July 25th. Since then, one person has died and 22 have been diagnosed, the New York City Health Department said Wednesday.
Details about those who died as a result of the illness were not immediately available.
Legionnair, a type of pneumonia, is caused by the bacteria Legionnair, which grows in warm water. Cases from the cluster were found in five Harlem Zip Codes, 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037 and 10039, along with cross-border communities, according to health officials.
All cooling towers operating in affected areas have been sampled and the Health Department has informed the building owners that within a day a positive result will begin repairs.
According to the Health Department, anyone who has been in shock areas since late July and has experienced flu-like symptoms, fever, cough, or difficulty breathing should immediately seek internal attention.
Legionnaires diseases are not transmitted from person to person, but can be treated with antibiotics. It spreads by breathing water vapor containing Legionella bacteria. Conditions for bacteria to grow are preferred in cooling towers, vortex spas, hot water, humidifiers, hot water tanks, and capacitors in large air conditioning systems.
An investigation is underway.
High-risk people include people over the age of 50, cigarette smokers, chronic lung disease or people with compromised immune systems. People living or working in areas experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention from their primary care provider or urgent care, officials say.
In 2022, at least five people died in Manhattan nursing homes during the summer, when a Bronx cooling tower was blamed for an infection that caused 16 deaths. Official health data show that approximately 200-700 people are usually diagnosed each year.
What is Legionnaire’s disease?
Legionaire is a type of pneumonia, or a pulmonary infection, the national DOH said.
Legionella bacteria can lead to a mild illness called Pontiac fever, which resembles flu-like symptoms.
How will it spread?
Legionella bacteria spread when someone sucked in small drops of contaminated water, often found in hot tubs, industrial air conditioning systems, decorative fountains, plumbing systems, and even drinking water.
Outbreaks often occur in large, complex water systems found in locations such as hotels, hospitals, and cruise ships.
Bacteria can also survive and spread in the soil, and can cause infection when people use contaminated soil to put their garden in the garden.
However, most people don’t tell others about Legionaire’s illness or Pontiac fever.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of Legionnaires disease usually appear 2-10 days after exposure to bacteria and can include:
Inhale headachemuscle achesshortness
The New Jersey Department of Health noted that symptoms could be similar to those of Covid-19 and other respiratory diseases, such as the flu. Only tests ordered by your doctor can confirm the diagnosis.
Who is at higher risk?
People most susceptible to Legionaire’s illness include adults over the age of 50, people with a weak immune system or chronic illness, and smokers.
This is rare for healthy people who develop Legionella diseases after being exposed to Legionella bacteria.
Can I handle it?
Antibiotics are used to treat Legionaire’s illnesses, but often require hospitalization.
Anyone who suspects exposure to Legionnaires or experiences symptoms of Legionnaires or pneumonia should contact a doctor immediately. It is important to mention Legionnara exposure, hot tub use, recent trips, or staying in the hospital over the past two weeks.
For more information about Legionnaires ‘Disease, please visit the CDC website.
